The Tennessee Titans are in the middle of their offseason program and there are several players looking to be the spark the team needs. Last season, the Titans found themselves in the mix of a playoff race after a 9-7 campaign. However, they lost their season finale against the Indianapolis Colts. With that loss came the loss of a wild-card berth.
Multiple players on the Titans roster will look to make a big jump and finally have breakout seasons in the NFL. Last year, it was running back Derrick Henry who finished with over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. Who will step it up big next year as Tennessee makes another run for the playoffs?
Marcus Mariota
Obviously, Marcus Mariota will need to have a huge season in the final year of his contract. Mariota suffered an elbow injury during the Titans Week 1 loss against the Miami Dolphins and never seemed to get healthy as the year progressed. He ended the season injured as the Titans lost their Week 17 finale against the Colts.
Mariota hasn’t ever played in 16 games in a single given season. Reportedly, he has added 12-13 pounds to his body over the offseason compared to 2018 and will look to stay healthy in the coming season.
When he was on the field, Mariota completed 228-of-331 passes for 2,528 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions while starting in 13 of 16 games. He set the franchise record with a completion percentage of 68.9 percent. However, Mariota’s 11 touchdown passes were the lowest of his career. Mariota will have to improve to warrant a new contract next offseason.
Rashaan Evans
Rashaan Evans has a solid chance to break out this season. A hamstring injury slowed him down considerably for the first half of the 2018 season. However, he played much better during the second half of the season.
After finishing his rookie season with 53 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a quarterback hit, Evans could have a much better sophomore campaign. He could also benefit from the addition of veteran pass rusher Cameron Wake.
Harold Landry
Much like Evans, Harold Landry will also be looking to break out following his rookie season. In 15 games last year, Landry recorded 44 tackles, five for a loss, 4.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
Landry, especially with Wake on the other side, could be poised to have a 10-sack 2019 season. A full offseason in the Titans program can only help the former Boston College product.
Corey Davis
After having a down rookie season in 2017, Corey Davis had a solid 2018 season. In 16 starts, Davis recorded 65 catches for 4 touchdowns while averaging 13.7 yards per reception.
Now Davis will look to become Mariota’s favorite target and the first Titans wide receiver to register 1,000 yards since Kendall Wright achieved the mark with 1,079 yards receiving in 2013.
Jonnu Smith
No one will argue that Delanie Walker will be a focal part of the Titans offense. However, don’t be surprised to see Jonnu Smith, who was a 2017 third round pick, take strides this upcoming season.
Smith caught 20 passes for 258 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2018. However, Smith suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Titans’ December 6 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both Smith and Walker could become security blankets for Mariota, which could mean big seasons for the tight ends.